Be Kind, Not Nice: The Hard Truths Every Home Seller Needs to Hear

In real estate, there's a difference between being nice and being kind. “Nice” is telling you what you want to hear. “Kind” is telling you what you need to hear—even if it stings a little. If you’re thinking of selling your home, let me offer you something better than politeness: honesty, grounded in years of experience.

A young Hispanic looking man speaking politely to two middle aged women, one Caucasian, the other African American and an older Asian woman standing next to him, listening.

1. Your Home Is Not Special (To Buyers)

I say this with deep respect: your home holds sentimental value—for you. To buyers, it’s just one of many options. That wallpaper you love? The shelf where your kid took their first steps? The quirky vintage tiles you insisted on keeping? They’re not selling points. In fact, they might be the reason a buyer passes.

Being kind means telling you upfront: depersonalize and neutralize. Your home needs to appeal to the masses, not just to you. That means fresh paint, fewer knick-knacks, and possibly staging. Yes, it’s inconvenient. But it works.

2. Pricing Emotionally Is a Mistake

Too many sellers price based on what they "need" or what they "think it’s worth" rather than what the market dictates. That’s not a strategy—it’s a gamble. An overpriced home sits. A sitting home gets stale. And stale homes sell for less.

Nice agents might say, “Let’s try your price and see what happens.” I won’t. I’d rather you be upset with me today than heartbroken in three months when you’re chasing the market down.

3. Feedback Isn’t Personal—It’s Data

When a buyer says, “The home felt dark,” or “It needs too much work,” don’t take it as an insult. Take it as insight. They’re not rejecting you. They’re reacting to the product you’re trying to sell. Good agents collect that data and use it to adjust the strategy.

I won’t sugarcoat the feedback. Why? Because if we want to get your home sold quickly and at the best price, we need to listen—closely and objectively.

4. Marketing Isn’t Magic Without Preparation

You might think professional photos, social media ads, and open houses are the magic tools that sell homes. And they are—but only if your house is show-ready. If you skip the hard prep work—repairs, cleaning, decluttering—no amount of marketing will save you from buyer indifference.

As your broker, I won’t promise miracles. I’ll push for preparation. Not to be pushy, but because it’s the kind thing to do.

5. You Hire Me for Strategy, Not Compliments

My job isn’t to flatter you. It’s to guide you to the best possible outcome. That sometimes means difficult conversations. It means making decisions based on market realities, not wishful thinking. I’ll always be respectful—but I’ll never lie to protect your feelings at the cost of your goals.

In Conclusion

If you want someone to tell you your home is perfect and the buyers will be lining up, there are plenty of “nice” agents out there. But if you want someone who’s in your corner, telling you the truth even when it’s uncomfortable—because they care about your success—that’s kindness.

Selling a home is both an emotional and financial journey. Choose someone who’s willing to walk that line with empathy, integrity, and honesty. Be kind to yourself—and work with someone who will do the same.

If you plan to sell your home, now is the best time to attend our Free Home Selling Seminars. If you want to attend a seminar, contact us, and we will notify you when they are scheduled. As always, you can check KopaSeminar.com to see the dates and times of our in-person and online Free Home Selling Seminars. For years, home sellers have told me they benefited from attending our events. Sign up at KopaSeminar.com.